Graham Arnold comments after renewing contract with Iraq

Iraq national team coach Graham Arnold appeared at a press conference today in Baghdad after renewing his contract with the "Lions of Mesopotamia," expressing his happiness about returning and eagerness to start a new journey following the World Cup break.

The Australian coach has set clear goals for the next phase, primarily aiming to elevate the Iraqi national team in the continental rankings, and working towards direct qualification for the World Cup.

Arnold said: "I am happy to be back in Baghdad again, and I am excited to start a new journey with Iraq after the World Cup break."

He added: "My goal is to elevate Iraq to the second tier in Asia and secure direct qualification for the World Cup."

He pointed out that he has important fundamentals to work on during the upcoming tournaments: "We have important fundamentals that we will work on in the Gulf Cup and the Asian Cup, and I will not go to any tournament just to participate and enjoy."

The coach revealed that he has started following the Iraqi League and the leagues of Iraqi professionals abroad in order to select the best players for the upcoming phase.

"I have started monitoring the Iraqi league and the leagues of professional players to select the best, and I will be attending most of the league matches starting tomorrow."

Arnold stressed the selection criteria: "Anyone who wants to be in the Iraq national team must always be the best, and players are required to be in top physical condition, working with their clubs to secure their place in the national team."

The coach refused to discuss the Gulf Cup squad early, stating: "It's too early to talk about the Gulf Cup squad, and the upcoming tournament is very important for me and for the players who will be selected."

Arnold confirmed the existence of a remarkable group of young players inside and outside Iraq, alongside talents in the Olympic team that can be utilized in the upcoming period.

He touched on his work with the Federation's management: "There is significant work with the Federation President Younis Mahmoud, and I have held continuous meetings with the Director of National Teams, Mohammed Nasser, to outline the next steps."

He also announced his intention to discuss the coaching staff issue: "I will discuss in the upcoming period with the federation the topic of having a local assistant coach within the technical staff."

Regarding the duration of the new contract, Arnold clarified that the federation offered him a four-year renewal, but he preferred to extend for six months: "The federation offered me a four-year renewal, but a six-month extension serves my interests and the federation's for the sake of continued passion and work."

He revealed the support of his family for his decision to stay: "My family supported my decision to continue with Iraq, and they were among the happiest people after the national team qualified for the World Cup."

He concluded his remarks with a message to reassure the fans: "My presence here in Iraq today means that I intend to stay and achieve success for the benefit of Iraqi football."

He confirmed that the report he previously prepared about the national team was related to what happened in the World Cup, and that his focus is now entirely on the future and the challenges awaiting the "Lions of Mesopotamia" in the Gulf Cup, World Cup qualifiers, and the Asian Cup.